Sturridge, 24, moved to Anfield on Wednesday for around £12 million after a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge where he slipped down the pecking order after netting 11 goals in 30 Premier League appearances in 2011-12.

Liverpool have had to rely on Luis Suarez as their only striker this season due to an injury to Fabio Borini and the loan of Andy Carroll to West Ham. However, now Barnes believes that they have signed a player who can make a real difference halfway through the season.

"I think Daniel Sturridge is a very good player," he told ESPN. "January is not a good time to sign players, so therefore I don't think you can get better than him in January.

"Any of the top, world-class players that you want might not be available in January as they are playing in the Champions League. However, he's young, he's English, he's hungry, and he has a point to prove. It's exciting."

Sturridge complained of being played out on the wing at Chelsea, and revealed he wanted to take on a central striking role. However, manager Brendan Rodgers has already laid out a warning to the youngster that he must hit the ground running.